Forces veterans from across Fenland honoured at special service for Armed Forces Day

Ex-servicemen and women from across Fenland were honoured at a special service in recognition of national Armed Forces Day.

High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, Dr Andrew Harter, presented HM Armed Forces Veterans Badges to more than 30 military personnel when Fenland District Council held a Veterans Day Commemoration Service on Friday at St Mary’s Church in Whittlesey.

More than 100 people gathered for the moving event, which paid tribute to Britain’s armed forces and their families and recognised the enormous contributions and sacrifices that have been made, past and present.

Conducted by Rev Nigel Whitehouse, the service saw almost every branch of the wider forces family represented. There were veterans of the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force, as well as Submariners, Marines and Special Forces. There were regulars, territorial, reservists, auxiliaries and Merchant Navy.

A parade of standards by local Armed Forces Associations began and ended the service, and hymns included ‘Eternal Father, Strong to Save’, ‘All My Hope on God Is Founded’ and ‘I Vow to Thee, My Country’.

Dr Harter said it was a “huge honour and privilege” to present HM Veterans Badges during a year of significant anniversaries – the 100th anniversary of the end of First World War; the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force, and the 75th anniversary of operation Chastise, more famously known as the Dambusters raid.

Distinguished guests included Deputy Lieutenant Colonel Horrell, Lily Bacon, Deputy Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Wing Commander Will Blencowe, from RAF Wyton, Colonel Mark Knight, chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council Mandy Smith, and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ray Bisby. The Mayors of Whittlesey and Wisbech also attended along with local councillors, as well as Fenland District Council leader, Coun Chris Seaton, and chief executive Paul Medd.

Fenland District Council chairman Coun Kay Mayor said: “We are proud to be able to honour our veterans at this service, with 34 being presented with their Veterans Badges. A further 11 who were unable to attend have been sent their badges, together with a letter of thanks.

“On behalf of us all, I thank you for your service to Crown and country.”

The service also included a lament played by piper Jim Carnichan and music from organists Paul Turner and James Trundell.

Afterwards, light refreshments were served at Childers Sports and Social Club.